Concussed Gregor Blanco on DL, Hunter Pence likely to follow

Updated 12:20 am, Thursday, June 11, 2015

Gregor Blanco, who is sidelined by a concussion, tries to steal unsuccessfully as Phillies shortstop Cesar Hernandez prepares to tag him out on Friday.

Gregor Blanco, who is sidelined by a concussion, tries to steal unsuccessfully as Phillies shortstop Cesar Hernandez prepares to tag him out on Friday.

Photo: Matt Slocum, Associated Press

Concussed Gregor Blanco on DL, Hunter Pence likely to follow

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NEW YORK — The coincidence is remarkable and sad for the Giants, who placed Gregor Blancoon the seven-day concussion disabled list Wednesday, three days after Brandon Belt accidentally hit him on the head with a between-innings practice throw.

Last year, Belt missed almost two months with a concussion after Marco Scutaro inadvertently beaned him with a throw during batting practice.

The Giants recalled outfielder Jarrett Parkerfrom Triple-A Sacramento. Another member of the River Cats could be joining the Giants on Thursday to replace Hunter Pence, who is expected to go on the DL with tendinitis in his left wrist.

Manager Bruce Bochysaid he hopes Blanco can return when eligible Tuesday, but admitted nobody can say for certain given the nature of concussions.

Blanco was hit midway through Sunday's game in Philadelphia but said he continued to play because his symptoms were not bad. Plus, “I didn’t want Belt to feel bad about. It wasn’t his fault.”

The symptoms worsened Monday, with Blanco saying he felt fatigued, “like I wasn’t even there.” When Blanco began asking Belt about his symptoms from last year, Belt reported the conversation to trainers, who had checked on Blanco after he was hit.

“The brain is not something you mess around with, for sure,” Belt said.

Blanco said he still felt weird Wednesday and wants to learn from Belt’s experience in 2014. Belt tried to play after less than two weeks. He played five games, then returned to the DL for another six weeks.

Meanwhile, the Giants are resigned to Pence going on the 15-day DL. He has gone eight days without playing and can come off the DL as soon as next Thursday, so the club thinks it makes sense to make the move and let his wrist heal.

Parker was hitting .268 with 12 homers for Sacramento. He spent one day in the majors last year, in New York, but did not play before the Giants returned him to Double-A.

“I guaranteed him two days this time,” Bochy joked. “He gives us a true extra outfielder and a good athlete.”

Cain report: Matt Cain hit 94 mph on the radar gun but settled comfortably at 91 during his 55-pitch rehab start for Double-A Richmond on Tuesday night. He rejoined the Giants on Wednesday and said he felt fine. His next expected start is Monday in Sacramento.